ABSTRACT
This study investigated gender relations in the higher education sector, by means of the analysis of directors’ life-histories from private higher education institutions. The participation of women in the labor market has been consolidated overs the years, especially in the education sector, making the woman insertion process constant and gradual. Notwithstanding, in considering high hierarchy positions, especially in higher education institutions, it is clear that their places are gradually being taken over by men in charge of decision-making concerning the future of the institutions. In the present study, three directors of private higher education institutions located in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, were invited to share their trajectories towards empowerment. It was observed that although the three directors are in the early stage of the empowerment process, everyday situations demonstrate the existence of a “glass ceiling” built on a hidden bias pervading the educational field.
Key-words:
Educational Market; Woman; Glass ceiling; Empowerment